The population of Sierra Leone is composed predominantly of black Africans belonging to nearly 20 different ethnic groups. The two largest groups are the Mende in the south and the Temne in the north. Creoles (descendants of freed slaves returned from the Americas) are an important minority living in the Freetown area.

The Loko were among the slaves shipped to America while slavery still existed. Today, they are close neighbors of the Bande. They speak a Niger-Congo language that is also called Loko.

What are their lives like?
The economy of Sierra Leone is based primarily on agriculture and mining. Like most of the tribes in West Africa, the Loko are primarily farmers. Rice, the staple crop, is grown both in the swamps and on the hillsides. Other important crops include manioc, corn, potatoes, peppers, and bananas. In addition, house gardens supply other vegetables, fruits, and nuts for each family.

Oil palms flourish in this region of Sierra Leone. The trunks, branches, palms, nuts, and sap of these trees are all used and highly treasured. Soap, wax, wine, oil, and baskets are just some of the items produced from the palms.

Loko villages are grouped together at the bases of hills, in the open plains, or on the valley floors. Usually, a small group of compact huts makes up a village. These huts are round, with wooden walls and cone-shaped, thatched roofs.

The Loko are divided into nine districts, with each being ruled by a chief. Each village in the district is ruled by a headman, who answers to the chief. The Loko are a family-oriented people, and a village is generally made up of a family lineage. The Loko are also said to be open-minded, cooperative, and open to outside influences.

Loko society is basically patrilineal, which means that they trace their lineage through the males. Polygyny (having more than one wife) is practiced by many of the men. Before a Loko man marries, he must first pay a bride-price to the girl's parents.

The Loko are engaged in several crafts, such as basketry, cabinet making, and net making. In addition, they participate in many important ritual festivities and ceremonies throughout the year. Much dancing accompanies these events.

In the early 1990's, the estimated life expectancy in Sierra Leone was only 49 years of age for women and 43 years for men. The infant mortality rate was among the highest in Africa, with 145 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Medical personnel and facilities were grossly inadequate for meeting the needs of the people.

What are their beliefs?
The Loko of Sierra Leone are approximately 40% Muslim; however, a majority of them (57%) are ethnic religionists, practicing their traditional pagan beliefs. About 4% of the population is Christian.

Many of the Loko are superstitious and believe in witches who can be either male or female. These witches are believed to derive pleasure from causing accidents and spreading sickness among the tribe. As a result, many Loko fear the witches and carry charms or medicines with them to ward off their evil acts.

What are their needs?
Considerable effort is being made to reach the Loko, with eight missions agencies currently targeting them. In addition, both the New Testament and Christian broadcasts are available in their native language. Leadership development and discipleship materials for new believers are essential in order to continue the growth of the Church among the Loko.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to send missionaries to live and work among the Loko of Sierra Leone.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom, favor, and unity to the missions agencies that are targeting the Loko.
• Pray that evangelical literature and discipleship materials will be translated into the Loko language.
• Ask God to open the spiritual ears of the Loko as they listen to Christian broadcasts in their language.
• Pray that signs and wonders will follow the Loko believers as they share Christ with their families and friends.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Loko bound.
• Ask God to raise up intercessors who will faithfully stand in the gap for the Loko.
• Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Loko church for the glory of His name!

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Loko
• Country: Sierra Leone
• Their language: Loko (Landogo)
• Population: (1990) 113,600
  (1995) 119,200
  (2000) 138,300
• Largest religion: Ethnic religionist 57%
  Muslim (Malikite) 39.2%
• Christian: 4%
• Church members: 4,770
• Scriptures in their own language: New Testament
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: Available
• Mission agencies working among this people: 8
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 54,800 (46%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 11,900 (10%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 42,900 (36%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 64,400 (54%)

• Country: Sierra Leone
• Population: (1990) 3,999,100
  (1995) 4,509,000
  (2000) 5,069,300
• Major peoples in size order: Mende 28.5%
  Temne 26.6%
  Krio 7.5%
  W. Central Limba 7%
  Kuranko 4.4%
• Major religions: Ethnic religionist 47.2%
  Muslim 43.5%
  Christian 9.2%
• Number of denominations: 37